1874 NORTHWICH returned to top spot in superb style after a stunning 9-0 away win versus Litherland REMCYA, writes Matt Waters.

The greens overtook Bootle, establishing a two-point lead at the top of the North West Counties Premier Division, thanks to three goals from Jake Parker, three from Scott McGowan and one a piece from Mike Koral, Jack Tinning and Taylor Kennerley.

1874 were up against a struggling REMCYA side that had been leaking goals all season and Saturday was no different when they faced a clinical 1874.

The side co-managed by Wayne Goodison and Paul Bowyer took an early lead as right back Koral was given too much room in the penalty area and his finish found the bottom corner.

Shortly after 1874 doubled their advantage, a through ball from Matty Russell finding McGowan who slid his effort into the bottom corner.

The remainder of the half saw a dominant spell of possession for 1874 without adding to their tally.

In the second half, however, the Litherland defence caved in to the relentless 1874 attack as seven goals were added to create a record-breaking win.

A McGowan cross was slammed home by Jake Parker to put the game out of sight after 55 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for REMCYA as they were reduced to 10 men when Paul Foy received his second yellow for swiping Nathan Okome’s legs from underneath him.

Just after the hour mark Parker added his second and 1874’s fourth as once again McGowan’s ball fell into his path and the ball was fired into the top corner from a tight angle.

Moments later 1874 notches a fifth and arguably the best goal of the game.

A good advantage was played by the referee after a horror tackle on Koral, who powered through into the Litherland half before playing in McGowan whose chipped effort lobbed the REMCYA keeper from 20 yards out.

Three minutes later Parker got his hat-trick.

A good piece of play from substitute Harry Cain saw him cut back and Parker drilled it home into the bottom corner.

Soon after, 1874 got their third goal in 10 minutes and this time it sealed the hat-trick for McGowan.

A ball from Okome found the striker who finished for a 7-0 lead.

Then Taylor Kennerley got himself on the scoresheet after he was played in by Cain following the latter's powerful run.

With the final minutes of the 90 being played, 1874 got their ninth.

An excellent run by left-back Tinning led to him slotting the ball home to complete a truly ruthless attacking performance.